SMS Pro Aviation Safety Software Blog 4 Airlines & Airports

Defining Good Safety Culture in Aviation SMS

Safety culture will be the last thing to develop in your SMS.

Once you fully implement your SMS design (Phase 3 of SMS implementation), you will need to monitor your SMS to ensure it is functioning as designed. Aviation safety programs with good safety cultures usually operate as designed.

Having good safety culture helps you complete Phase 4 of SMS implementation. Broadly speaking, a good safety culture is one that is characterized by:

Consistent hazard reporting;

Acceptance of the SMS;

Lack of silos and other forms of resistance to the SMS;

Safety behaviors defined by safety awareness;

Commitment to on time, thorough safety management; and

Upper management support.

Good safety culture is indicated in:

The work management has done to support safe behaviors;

The amount of safety awareness employees demonstrate; and

The quality of resources provided by accountable manager.

Here are 20 indicators of what good aviation safety culture looks like.

Hazard Reporting System is Fully Implemented

Your hazard reporting system is the foundation of your SMS. Through it, you will:

Employees Report Issues Within 24 Hours of Identification

When employees regularly report issues in a timely manner, it indicates that employees are dedicated to making management aware of safety. Many organizations struggle in this area, and it is not uncommon to have issues reported several days after occurrence.

Audit/Inspections Are Facilitated Regularly

Regular audits and inspections demonstrate a willingness towards proactive risk management. They help you uncover potential concerns before those concerns lead to hazard occurrence. In best case scenarios:

Inspections are carried out on consistent basis, such as once per month;

Internal audits are carried out on a consistent basis, such as twice per year; and

Few Issues Stem from Not Following Procedures

Employees who follow prescribed procedures and other resources, such as checklists, policies, etc., demonstrate high quality safety behavior. An awareness and willingness to accept the SMS is a hallmark of good safety culture.

More Than 90% of Issues and CPAs are Closed on Time

On time issue and on time corrective preventative action closure is an excellent way to measure management’s commitment to continuous improvement. When issues and CPAs are constantly closed late, it shows a poor personal investment and care for the SMS.

Employees Personally Know Safety Manager

When employees know their safety manager personally, it shows that the safety manager has taken the time to personally interact with them. This is a good way to “put a face on the SMS.” When employees understand that the SMS has great personal effort behind managing it, they will be more likely to accept it.

Safety Meetings are Held Frequently

Studies show a direct correlation between number and frequency of safety meetings and level of safety in the organization. Safety managers know this, and taking the time and effort to ensure that meetings are held is one good way to demonstrate good safety culture.